During World War II, the Army and Navy identified a need to build up their intelligence with individuals who could break German and Japanese codes. They recruited and trained a group of women who eventually proved to be among their most talented ever. While history has been relatively quiet about this remarkable group of “Code Girls,” their work was astounding. In 1944 alone, these code-breakers intercepted 30,000 water-transport messages a month, which they solved through intensively searching for patterns and making “golden” guesses.

Have you ever wished you had a good code-breaker to help identify your “calling?” What if unlocking your purpose could be as simple as considering a few questions? In his bestselling book Called to Create, author Jordan Raynor identifies three crucial questions for identifying a calling:

What am I passionate about? God created us with unique passions, interests and dreams. Isaiah 64:8 says “We are the clay, He is our Potter.” Can you identify specific interests He’s formed in you? Causes you’re drawn to? Have you considered they may be for a specific purpose?

What gifts has God given me? Beyond your passions and interests, what developed skills and natural talents do you have? Pastor Timothy Keller stresses the importance of having a “ministry of competence.” Exercising well-honed gifts brings glory to God, helps us love our neighbor, and provides a sense of personal fulfillment.

Where do I have the greatest opportunity to love others? When we find the sweet spot where our passions and gifts intersect, there’s an opportunity to practice good stewardship of who God made us to be. It also means we can impact lives. Have you considered how your interest in a ministry or charity may be part of your calling to love others well? From volunteerism or prayer support, to including a gift in your Will, there are so many ways your passions could align with the work they do.

“..We pray for you always, that our God will count you worthy of your calling, and fulfill every desire for goodness and the work of faith with power…” 2 Thessalonians 1:11.